Cambodia, Thai troops exchange brief fire near disputed border area+

via CAAI News Media

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 24 (AP) - (Kyodo)—Cambodian and Thai troops exchanged brief fire Sunday near the disputed area of Preah Vihear Temple but there were no casualties, a military official said.

Gen. Chhum Socheat, spokesman for Cambodia's National Defense Ministry, said the skirmish took place at 9:15 a.m. at Choam Te, some 20 kilometers east of Preah Vihear Temple.

He said Thai troops fired at Cambodian troops patrolling in the area, and Cambodian troops returned fire immediately afterward.

Neither side sustained casualties, Chhum Socheat said.

The incident took place as Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong visited Preah Vihear Temple on Sunday to inspect the border situation and presented foodstuff to Cambodian soldiers based near the border area.

Since the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand began in 2008, there have been two rounds of military clashes, which left several people dead or injured on both sides.

The dispute erupted after Cambodia's Preah Vihear Temple was listed as a World Heritage site by the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

The dispute stems partly from conflicting border maps.